Core Knowledge

Training

Contents

Gym Equipment 101

Evan GrayNovember 4, 2011

Overview

Heading into the weight room for the first time can be an intimidating experience, but know this—everyone there has been a beginner, and most of them are still new to training. With your Core Performance workout in hand, you’re already better prepared than most.

Becoming familiar with the training equipment available to you will help you feel more comfortable and make the most out of every workout. To help you navigate the gym, we’ve assembled a list of equipment frequently used in Core Performance online training programs. This doesn’t mean you need all of this equipment to get in a workout. Far from it. Some Core Performance workouts require light equipment, like a foam roll or stretch rope, while others utilize several pieces of gym equipment.

If you don’t have access to a piece of equipment, you can use the “exchange movement” button in your Core Performance workout to swap in an alternative movement. Or keep the exercise, but modify it slightly. For instance, click here to learn how to modify medicine ball throws.

Note: The categories below are just to help you navigate, but the equipment here can be used in many different ways for various goals.

Strength and Power

DumbbellA dumbbell is a type of free weight that can be used individually or in pairs (one in each hand).

Bench A bench is a padded surface that provides support for resistance exercises. It’s often adjustable.

Cable machines can be used with a variety of attachments. For example, with a cable handle that is held by one hand at a time, a rope handle that you can grab with both hands, or an ankle strap that is used to provide resistance for the lower body.